Calculator
BMR calculator — resting energy estimate
The popular BMR label covers different estimates. Here the Mifflin–St Jeor equation predicts resting energy expenditure (REE), not a measurement under basal conditions. This version is limited to healthy adults aged 19–78, matching the age range of the original study.
Calculator
Enter data
Applicability, equation variant, weight, height and age; PAL and intake where relevant. Fields marked with an asterisk are required.
How to use the calculator
- Confirm applicability. Illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding and eating disorders require individual assessment.
- Enter the data. Do not use the result as a minimum intake or weight-change recommendation; discuss your needs with a dietitian.
Calculation details
Formula and calculation method
REE = 10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) − 5 × age + 5 (male term) or −161 (female term). TDEE = REE × assumed PAL. Comparison difference = entered intake − TDEE.
Worked example
For 60 kg, 165 cm, age 30 and the female equation term, REE is 1,320.25 kcal/day. PAL 1.6 gives 2,112.4 kcal/day; rounding the display does not imply biological precision.
Limitations
- No diagnosis or safe-intake threshold is provided. Body composition, medication and individual differences are not modelled; input bounds are product limits, not health norms.
- Not for children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, illness or eating disorders. Sex terms reproduce the research equation; they do not assess gender identity.
- PAL is an assumption; scenario tables are not confidence intervals. This tool has not undergone individual clinical validation.
Sources
- Mifflin et al. — resting energy expenditure equation
- Polish National Centre for Nutrition Education — energy and PAL
- NIDDK — adult scope, pregnancy and breastfeeding exclusions
Engine version: 2.0 (2026-09-22) · Last reviewed: 22 September 2026
Frequently asked questions
Is resting energy a minimum food intake?
No. Resting expenditure is not a standalone intake standard. Full-day needs and dietary safety require a broader assessment.
How should I choose PAL?
PAL represents the entire day. Compare scenarios instead of inferring it solely from workout counts; a dietitian can help assess it.